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Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key,
at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The entire island is now Fort De
Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature
trails, camping, boating, and much more.

This isn't an official website for Fort De Soto Park. It was first created in
the 1990's, in the days when Pinellas county had barely heard of things like
the Internet and websites. Many people have found this site to be interesting
and helpful, so the site lives on.

during WWII the island was used for bombing practice by the pilot
who dropped the bomb on Hiroshima;

Ironically, Fort De Soto was never the site of any major battle, and the weapons of Fort
De Soto and Fort Dade were never fired in anger at an enemy. However,
it played a significant part in the evolution of modern weaponry. In
1977 Fort De Soto was added to the National Register of
Historic Places.

Take a walk along the southwest tip
of the island where the post buildings were located, or climb to the
top of Battery Laidley and look out over the area. Imagine the area at
the turn of the century and think of the hardships the troops faced--
mosquitoes, heat, and isolation.

Parking Fee

Starting in 2012, a daily parking fee of $5.00 is being collected at the Fort De Soto
Park at the welcome station.

If you have a valid Disabled Parking Permit/Tag, you are not required
to pay the fee. You do not need to be parked in a marked handicapped
space as long as permit is displayed.

People who enter the park on foot or on bicycle do not need a pass.

Annual Passes

Annual passes are available at the Fort De Soto Park Administration
Office. Price is $75, Seniors $55,
Limited Income, $37.50.

Volunteers who complete 100 hours of volunteer service can get a free
annual pass.

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written permission from the copyright owner.